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Below are examples of of recent faculty-student research in sustainability. Each project provides information on the motivation and objectives of the work, a listing of collaborators, and links for project deliverables and additional resources.
Agroecological knowledge | Sustainable schools | Post-consumer waste audit and reduction | Consumer plastic consumption, reuse, and recycling
Place-adapted agroecological knowledge and practices of small-scale sustainable farmers in the UP
The research project is exploring the place-adapted agroecological practices that farmers are using to manage their farms sustainably and regeneratively in the Upper Peninsula, a region where agriculture is particularly challenging. It is also investigating how these practices differ across different farming systems and the challenges farmers face in implementing the practices and managing their farms sustainably. The information from the study will be invaluable for beginning farmers pursuing sustainable farming in the Upper Peninsula.
Years active
2024 - present
Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Jelili Adebiyi
Student collaborator
Miki Rogers (ENSS)
Research collaborators
Partridge Creek Compost
Justin Fairbanks
Research sponsors
- Rural Leadership Fellowship, Northern Michigan University
Implementing sustainable schools at Bothwell Middle School
The project is using evidence-based science to facilitate the sustainable implementation of a school garden at Bothwell Middle School. To do this, the project employs a variety of methods, including interviews and surveys, to collect data from the staff and parents of the students at Bothwell Middle School. This data includes their vision for the school garden, where it should be located, and how it should be structured and managed for sustainability. The project is also gathering information about the perceived sustainability challenges the garden may face and how best to address them as part of the planning for its implementation.
Years active
2022 - present
Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Jelili Adebiyi
Student collaborator
Lola Rigano (ENSS)
Research collaborators
Bothwell Middle School, Marquette, Michigan
Products
Rigano, L. 2024. Stakeholders’ engagement on sustainable school garden implementation: what it means and what it needs. October, 2024. 2024 Joint Meeting of East Lakes-West Lakes Divisions of the American Association of Geographers 2024 Annual Meeting, Kalamazoo, Michigan United States.
Rigano, L. 2023. Growing sustainability: insights from Bothwell Middle School's Garden Project. October, 2023. West Lakes Division of the American Association of Geographers 2023 Annual Meeting, Depaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Post-consumer waste audit and reduction at Northern Michigan University
The project involves the audit, characterization, and quantification of post-consumer waste at Northern University. It also includes surveying and conducting focus group discussions with students to gather insights into the causes of post-consumer food waste at campus restaurants and their thoughts on how to address the issue.
Years active
2022 - present
Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Jelili Adebiyi
Student collaborators
Avery Case (ENSS)
Julia Janssen (ENSS)
Research collaborators
Northern Lights Dining
Partridge Creek Composting
Products
Case, A and Janssen, J. 2024. University campus food waste reduction strategy: Perceived effectiveness of different messaging and framing campaigns. October, 2024. 2024 Joint Meeting of East Lakes-West Lakes Divisions of the American Association of Geographers 2024 Annual Meeting, Kalamazoo, Michigan United States.
Case, A. 2024. Food waste at Northern Michigan University. September, 2024. 2024 UMACS Conference, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Oertel, I. 2024. Food waste at Northern Michigan University. August, 2025. 2024 Innovate Michigan Summit, Lansing, Michigan, United States.
Consumer plastic consumption, reuse and recycling in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan
The research project seeks to understand consumer plastic consumption, reuse, and recycling behaviors in the Upper Peninsula. The study also explores the awareness and knowledge of residents in the region about the environmental issues associated with increased plastic use, whether they are interested in transitioning to sustainable alternatives, and how best they can be supported in making this shift. The findings from the study will be used to propose recommendations for reducing the plastic consumption footprint in Marquette.
Years active
2024 - present
Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Jelili Adebiyi
Student collaborator
Amelia Grabanski (ENSS)
Products
Grabanski, A. 2024. Consumer plastic consumption and recycling in Marquette, Michigan. August, 2024. 2024 Innovate Michigan Summit, Lansing, Michigan United States.